---
type: training-material
domain: hardware
subdomain: control-system
level: 3
tags: [systemcore, roborio, control-system, hardware, programming]
prerequisites: [electrical-level-2, programming-level-1]
source: https://community.firstinspires.org/march-updates-on-the-future-robot-controller
status: upcoming
date: 2026-03
growth: tree
---

# SystemCore — Next-Gen FRC Robot Controller

**Status:** Upcoming (alpha testing later this year)
**Replaces:** roboRIO
**Source:** FIRST Community Blog, March 2026

---

## What Is SystemCore?

SystemCore is the new robot controller for FRC and FTC — the replacement for the aging roboRIO. It's a fundamental shift in the control system architecture.

> "SystemCore is the future robot controller designed to address the evolving needs of competitive robotics programs." — FIRST

## Hardware Specs

| Spec | Detail |
|------|--------|
| **Size** | Large smartphone form factor |
| **CAN-FD** | 5x CAN-FD ports |
| **SmartIO** | 6x SmartIO (flexible analog/digital/PWM) |
| **I2C** | 2x I2C ports |
| **USB** | 4x USB 3.0, USB-C |
| **Ethernet** | Yes |
| **RSL** | Ring light connector |
| **WiFi** | Integrated 2.4/5GHz |
| **IMU** | Built-in IMU for odometry/localization |
| **AI** | M.2 A+E port — Hailo-8 AI Accelerator compatible |

## MotionCore

Companion motion controller for advanced motion control and sensing.

## Programming

**Limelight is building the web-based IDE** — Blockly, Java, and Python support.

This is a major shift: web-based IDE instead of VS Code / WPILib.

## Why This Matters for 2890

- Current students will transition from roboRIO to SystemCore
- Built-in IMU means no external gyro for odometry
- AI accelerator opens ML-based game piece detection
- New programming workflow with Limelight IDE
- Alpha testing begins later this year — curriculum needs to prepare

## Curriculum Path

When SystemCore releases:
1. **Hardware Overview** — Physical connections, compare to roboRIO
2. **SmartIO Configuration** — Flexible pin mapping
3. **CAN-FD vs CAN** — What changes
4. **Built-in IMU** — Odometry and localization without external gyro
5. **Limelight IDE** — New development workflow
6. **AI Integration** — Hailo-8 accelerator for object detection

## Status

- **Current:** Alpha testing
- **Expected:** Rollout TBD (monitor FIRST announcements)
- **Curriculum:** Track FIRST blogs for updates

---

**Monitor:** https://community.firstinspires.org/ for official FIRST announcements